FAQs

 

Q: dōTERRA’s essential oils carry the mark CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade®. What does the mark mean?
A: Although there are good essential oils available to consumers, many products claiming to be essential oils often are not pure aromatic extracts and often contain fillers and non-aromatic compounds. Furthermore, there are no current regulatory standards for the descriptive use of the “therapeutic grade” for products labeled as essential oils. The CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® mark represents dōTERRA’s own internal standards for sourcing and testing 100% pure aromatic botanical extracts using independent laboratory analysis. The dōTERRA brand and registered CPTG mark represent dōTERRA’s guarantee of 100% pure essential oil extracts that meet high standards for both purity and material composition and for accurate product labeling.

Q: Why do your essential oils smell so much better than other essential oils on the market that claim to be therapeutic grade?
A: Aroma is an excellent indication of true purity. A 100% pure essential oil will elicit powerful emotional responses and will not be overbearing in any one note. Many people have described dōTERRA’s CPTG essential oils as "sweet" or "extremely pleasing fragrances". This is because when plants are grown in a region in which it is indigenous, with proper nutritive soil conditions, air quality, weather/moisture, are harvested at the right time and carefully distilled, the essential oil extract will be pure and of the highest quality, thus having a fragrance that exceeds that of oils that have been diluted or synthetically produced. Unfortunately, there are many essential oils on the market that claim to be "therapeutic grade", "100% pure", or "100% natural" that do not follow strict standards for purity and potency. The best way for a consumer to know the quality and value of any product is to experience it for themselves.

Q: Do you grow your own plants and own your own farms?
A: We have found that a primary key to superior essential oil quality is the location in which the plant is grown. For this reason, we carefully source our essential oils from all over the world, rather than from a few locations that are not native habitats for the plants. For example, our Lavender is grown in the high altitudes of France, our Lemon comes from Italy, and our Frankincense is sourced from Oman. Because our management team is trusted and respected by global producers, we are able to secure precious crops for essential oil production from preferred suppliers.

Q: Are dōTERRA’s essential oils organic?
A: dōTERRA’s CPTG essential oils exceed industry standards. Because organic certification varies from country to country, province to province, and in the US, from state to state, it is not currently possible to acquire all oils under certified organic status.  However, through the GC/MS analysis process, we are able to determine if any chemical residue exists in the essential oil, e.g., pesticides, herbicides, extenders, and solvents.  With this rigorous analysis process, we are able to ensure that all CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade™ essential oils offered by dōTERRA are absolutely pure as nature intended and a step above organic.

The 6 Tests of dōTERRA Essential Oils

A key factor that distinguishes dōTERRA essential oils from other brands on the market is the extent of testing that they conduct on each batch of their oils. This testing is carried out to ensure that the essential oils are 100% pure, and free from all artificial ingredients – chemicals, pesticides, synthetics, fillers etc.

In recognition of this high quality control, dōTERRA created and trademarked the phrase ”Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade” (CPTG) which they use to label and distinguish their essential oils. CPTG is a new standard for essential oil purity, and dōTERRA ensure that the standard is met through six essential tests.

The 6 Tests of dōTERRA Essential Oils:

1. Gas chromatography
Measures the constituents in a particular essential oil sample by plotting the items on a graph.  When heated, the different constituents vaporize at different rates of time.  The gas chromatography measures the constituents by how long they take to vaporize and how much of each constituent is in the sample.

2. Mass spectrometry
Is used along with the gas chromatography (GC) in order to get a more accurate reading of the sample material.  After the GC is finished reading the different vapors, the compound is passed into the Mass Spectrometer (MS) where the vapors are sorted by their mass-to-charge ratio, weighed, and then the results are also charted.  In other words, the GC separates the sample into its individual constituents, and the MS identifies them and the percentage with which they make up the sample.  Secondary comparative analysis of known chemical structure allows for detailed review of the source of each compound in the sample.

3. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
Identifies the chemical bond functional groups by the absorption of infrared radiation that excites vibration modes in the bond.  It identifies the chemical bonds of organic materials as well as any organic contaminates contained in the sample.

4. Heavy metal testing
Shows the amount of heavy metal content in the essential oils.  It is very important that the essential oils used to support health and wellness are obtained from plants grown in soil that are free from heavy metals and other types of toxicity so that these substances aren’t absorbed into the plant material.

5. Organoleptic testing
Is the evaluation of the essential oils by their physical and aromatic properties by appearance, colour, flavour, and odour.

6. Microbial testing
Is also the evaluation of the essential oils by their physical and aromatic properties by testing for any bacteria, yeast, mold, etc that may be present.

Every batch of dōTERRA essential oils goes through these 6 tests!

An aromatherapist nicely summed up how important this is when she said: “Separate batches of the same oil from the same source can be different depending on numerous factors: harvesting time, when distilled, distillation temperature, storage to name a few–each batch can vary in quality. Just because you get a good batch of oil from a supplier doesn’t mean that the next one will be as good.”

No other essential oil companies that undergo this extent of testing for their essential oils. Independent laboratories testing each batch.. that’s expensive, and that’s a major reason as to why they do not. It costs dōTERRA an awful lot of money to ensure that the testing is completed, and that their oils are guaranteed to be of an exceptional standard.

Any produce that fail to reach their CPTG standard through the six tests are refused.

Are dōTERRA Essential Oils Organic?
dōTERRA’s CPTG essential oils exceed industry standards. Because organic certification varies from country to country, province to province, and in the US, from state to state, it is not currently possible to acquire all oils under certified organic status.  However, through the GC/MS analysis process, we are able to determine if any chemical residue exists in the essential oil, e.g., pesticides, herbicides, extenders, and solvents.  With this rigorous analysis process, we are able to ensure that all CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade™ essential oils offered by dōTERRA are absolutely pure as nature intended and a step above organic.

Infant Care with Essential Oils

Infants and children can benefit greatly from the essential oils for everything from colic to indigestion. Limiting the amount of medication your infant ingests is very important for their health and the essential oils are a great safe and natural choice.

Infants should not ingest essential oils. Do not put essential oils on the infant’s hands, as they are sure to get into the mouth. Because infant skin is very sensitive, only the mildest of oils should be used.
Essential oils generally considered safe for infants include grapefruit, lavender, lemon, melaleuca, wild orange, and roman chamomile.

Essential Oil Application for Infant

Abdominal Pain: Roman Chamomile, Wild Orange, Citrus Bliss, or Lavender
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Gently massage abdomen. If abdominal pain is severe, seek medical advice.

Colds: Melaleuca, lemon, or lavender
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. use a small amount to massage upper chest and back at each diaper change.

Colic: Citrus Bliss, Wild Orange, or Lavender
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Apply a small amount to stomach and back. use a warm (not hot) water bottle to keep the baby’s abdomen warm. Burp the baby of gas pains seem to exist.

Congestion(sniffles): Lemon, Purify, On Guard, Lavender, Serenity or Melaleuca
Disperse 1 drop lemon oil and 1 drop Purify into the air at bedtime. For relief during daytime hours, diffuse 1 drop lavender or melaleuca oil. Mix 1 drop On Guard with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil, and apply 1-2 drops of mixture to bottoms of feet. Mix 1 drop Serenity with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil; gently massage chest.

Constipation: Wild Orange, Lemon, or Roman Chamomile
Mix 1-2 drops essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. massage abdomen, lower back, and feet twice daily. If there is lower abdominal pain, seek medical advice.

Cough: Lemon and Purify
Disperse 1 drop lemon oil and 1 drop Purify into the air before nap time

Cradle Cap: Lemon, Melaleuca, and Orange
Mix 1 drop lemon oil, 1 drop melaleuca oil, and 1 drop orange oil with 2 Tablespoons Avocado oil. Very gently apply a small amount to the scalp, avoiding the fontanelle (soft spot). Leave in place for a few minutes; then wash hair with baby shampoo. Repeat daily for one week, then occasionally if cradle cap persists.

Crying: Serenity, Lavender, or Roman Chamomile
Place a drop of essential oils on a tissue (or rub on parent’s hands), and let the infant smell the oil. Do not let the baby touch the oil.
Diffuse one drop of essential oil into the air

Diaper Rash: Lavender and Roman Chamomile
Mix 1 drop Roman chamomile oil with 2 Tablespoons fractionated coconut oil. If yeast infection is suspected, add 1 drop melaleuca oil. At each diaper change, very gently wash baby’s bottom and pat dry. Apply a small amount of mixture, avoiding the genitals and any cuts or cracks in the skin. Change diaper frequently, and leave it somewhat loose to provide some air circulation.

Diarrhea: Roman Chamomile, lavender, or melaleuca
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Gently massage abdomen in a clockwise direction, following the digestive path. Give the infant plenty of fluids to drink. If diarrhea is severe or accompanied by abdominal pain, see medical advice.

Digestion (Sluggish): Lemon or Wild Orange
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Apply a small amount to feet and stomach area.


Fever: Lavender or Onguard
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Apply a small amount to the bottoms of the feet, the back of the neck, and behind the ears.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease: On Guard or Purify
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Apply 2-3 drops to bottoms of feet and along the spine several times daily.

Heat Rash (Prickly Heat): Lavender and Roman Chamomile
Mix 1 drop lavender oil and 1 drop Roman chamomile with 2 Tablespoons fractionated coconut oil. Gently apply a small amount to the affected area. Stay well away from the eyes and genitals.

Hiccups: Wild Orange
Disperse 1 drop essential oil into the air with a diffuser

Indigestion: DigestZen
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Use a small amount to massage stomach and feet

Earache: Melaleuca, Lavender, or Roman Chamomile
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 drop fractionated coconut oil. Rub a small amount on back of ear, behind the ear, and on bottoms of feet. Put a drop on a cotton ball, and place the ball in the ear. Do not put essential oils into the ear canal. A warm (not hot) water bottle placed next to the ear may help.

Eczema: Lavender
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon Avocado oil. Gently massage affected area as needed. If eczema persists, it may be due to an allergy.

Influenza (Flu): Lemon or melaleuca
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Use a small amount to massage chest, abdomen, arms, legs, neck, and back. Avoid the face and genital area.

Insomnia (Sleeplessness): Roman Chamomile
Disperse 1 drop essential oil into the air with a diffuser on alternate nights.


Rash: Roman Chamomile
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractional coconut oil. Gently smooth a small amount over affected area. Wipe off any excess with a soft cloth.

Teething: Roman Chamomile, Lavender
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated oil. Use a small amount to gently massage the outside of the face along the jawline.

Thrush (in Diaper Area): Melaleuca
Mix 1 drop essential oil with 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil. Rub a small amount on location after each diaper change.

Thrush (in Mouth):Melaleuca and Lavender
Mix 1 drop melaleuca oil, 1 drop lavender oil, and 2 drops vitamin E oil with 1 teaspoon garlic oil. Apply 1 drop of this mixture to mother’s nippes just before nursing.

Yeast Infection (Candida): Melaleuca
Mix 1 drop melaleuca with 1 Tablespoon plain yogurt. Apply to anal area when changing diaper. Avoid the genital area.